President of the Republic calls for democratic unity, resilience and maturity in 2026

In his traditional communication to the nation, addressed to Cape Verdeans in the archipelago and in the diaspora, the Head of State stressed that the country is ending a historic cycle of half a century of freedom, democracy and stability.

He spoke in his message of the strength of a people who, in 50 years of independence, "have been able to transform weaknesses into achievements" and that the country has been built with sacrifice, courage and perseverance, facing "seemingly insurmountable" obstacles and asserting itself in the world with dignity.

The Head of State highlighted sport as one of the most powerful expressions of the Cape Verdean soul, highlighting the historic qualifications of the national soccer teams, the men's team for the 2026 World Cup and the women's team for the CAN, as moments of "collective joy", capable of uniting the country in the same feeling of belonging, pride and confidence in the future.

For the President of the Republic, the Blue Sharks symbolize more than sporting victories: "they represent Cape Verde's ability to believe in itself, to win on merit and to prove that, when united, the country is capable of reaching heights that were once unimaginable".

However, he also recalled the harsher side of 2025 experienced in Cape Verde, marked by the storms that hit São Vicente and Santiago Norte in particular.

"The consequences were catastrophic, with devastation never seen before and the tragic loss of human life," he said, adding that these phenomena highlighted the country's weaknesses in the face of climate change.

"The consequences were catastrophic, with devastation never seen before and the tragic loss of human life," he said.

In this context, he advocated a firmer and earlier response from the state, considering that "only consistent, structuring interventions that are not delayed in time will be able to increase the resilience of Cape Verdeans".

José Maria Neves also described 2026 as "a year of great political significance", with the celebration of 35 years of representative democracy and the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections.

He stressed that the freedom won in these 35 years must continue to be cared for and protected, not only in the institutions, but in the heart of every citizen, as a common and non-negotiable heritage.

In an international context that he classified as "polycrisis" and threats to democracy, he called for serenity, dialogue and respect for institutions, hoping that "the strength of arguments will win" and that the current climate of political turmoil will be reversed.

On the external front, Neves argued that Cape Verde should continue to focus on multilateralism, international law, peace and cooperation between states.

"We must be able to care for and protect the diaspora communities and make Cape Verde a safe haven for all its children," he said.

The President also expressed confidence that the national soccer, handball and basketball teams will continue to take the name of Cape Verde across borders, projecting the image of a resilient, talented and determined people, capable of thrilling and inspiring.

To conclude, he left a message of hope and closeness, wishing that 2026 will be a year of peace, health and happiness, in which Cape Verdeans, wherever they are, will recognize themselves in the same history, the same pride and the same shared future.

Inforpress/End